Source: Gabby Home
I love music but lean more toward the Wombats (English Alternative Rock Band) versus Metallica. That being said, I would be happy to be able to go to any type of live concert right now! What I can get 100% behind is mixed metal. What that means is mixing finishes like black, gold, bronze or nickel in a single room or even on a single item like a fixture.
One of the easiest places to introduce mixed metals is with kitchen pendants or bathroom lights. Besides paint, new light fixtures are the easiest and one of the least expensive ways to update your space. I continue to be amazed at all the for sale listings that I see that they still have their 80s builder grade lighting. I think that people become nose blind to the ugly over time or think that they need to wait for a major renovation overhaul to make a change.
Check out these amazing examples of mixed metal finishes that add a modern touch but work with any style!
Source: American Lighting Association
Source: Kitchler
Source: My Creative Itch
Source: Unknown
A few pointers to help you make mixed metals work:
- Choose a primary metal and add one or two metals to compliment. For example, match your mirror, faucet and pulls and add lighting in a different finish to really make it stand out.
- Match your finishes. Common finishes are brushed, polished, satin, antiqued and hammered. I cover this more in the post Brass is Back HERE. Using metals with the same finish gives them something in common to tie them together.
- Dark metals look great with everything. Iron, gunmetal, black, and bronze work as neutrals and work well with any other metal.
- Consider a bridge. A great way to tie together two metals is to find a single piece that includes both of them. For example, you could use wall art, a mirror, or my favorite, lighting that has multiple finishes to tie it all together.
- Consider spray paint or Rub ‘N Buff. You can use these to either create a mixed metal look or fix a look that you are not in love with. Note this fix is best for accessories such as frames, mirrors or candle holders and not plumbing fixtures that are in constant contact with water.
Source: Hibou Design
Source: Holly Bero Interiors
My favorite combination is black and gold. We will be mixing it up in our new bathroom with the gold mirrors and pulls, black faucets and the mixed metal light below. One of the chandeliers is also going in my dining room but will leave that as a surprise for now!
Here are lots of mixed metal options that will help you bridge multiple finishes in the same room. So do we agree, mixed metal is better than heavy metal?
Mirrors
Chandeliers and Pendants
Sconces and Vanity Lights
This is so fun! There’s so many options out of your photos that I want to put in my house! What a beautiful idea and so well executed.